Tampa Drug Sting Ends In Death, Melee

STATE

February 2, 1989

TAMPA — More than 100 police officers responded to rock-and-bottle throwing in a housing project Wednesday night after a suspect scuffled with police during a drug sting, police said. The suspect later died. A 22-square-block area in a mostly black area of northeast Tampa was closed off, and the scene was reportedly under control at about 9:45 p.m. Lt. L.K. Dodge said vice squad officers tried to make a drug arrest at about 7 p.m. in the College Hill area when the suspect resisted. The suspect punched one detective three times and broke his nose, Dodge said. The man, who has not been identified, was tackled, his legs tied and his wrists handcuffed, Lt. Jesse James said. Onlookers then started throwing rocks and bottles, he said. The suspect was put into a patrol car and was on the way to the Hillsborough County Jail when he collapsed, James said. He later died at St. Joseph's Hospital. An autopsy will be conducted.